Domino hepatocyte transplantation using explanted human livers with metabolic defects attenuates D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver failure.

BACKGROUND: Explanted livers from patients with inherited metabolic liver diseases possess the potential to be a cell source of good-quality hepatocytes for hepatocyte transplantation (HT). This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of domino HT using hepatocytes isolated from explanted human livers for acute liver failure (ALF). METHODS: Isolated hepatocytes were evaluated for viability and function and then transplanted into D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced ALF mice via splenic injection. The survival rate was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Liver function was evaluated by serum biochemical parameters, and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. The pathological changes in the liver tissues were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Hepatocyte apoptosis was investigated by TUNEL, and hepatocyte apoptosis-related proteins were detected by western blot. The localization of human hepatocytes in the injured mouse livers was detected by immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Hepatocytes were successfully isolated from explanted livers of 10 pediatric patients with various liver-based metabolic disorders, with an average viability of 85.3% ± 13.0% and average yield of 9.2 × 106 ± 3.4 × 106 cells/g. Isolated hepatocytes had an excellent ability to secret albumin, produce urea, uptake indocyanine green, storage glycogen, and express alpha 1 antitrypsin, albumin, cytokeratin 18, and CYP3A4. Domino HT significantly reduced mortality, decreased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and improved the pathological damage. Moreover, transplanted hepatocytes inhibited interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. Domino HT also ameliorates hepatocyte apoptosis, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL positive cells. Positive staining for human albumin suggested the localization of human hepatocytes in ALF mice livers. CONCLUSION: Explanted livers from patients with inheritable metabolic disorders can serve as a viable cell source for cell-based therapies. Domino HT using hepatocytes with certain metabolic defects has the potential to be a novel therapeutic strategy for ALF.